Fort Clinch

Description

"Interior view of Fort Clinch, on Amelia Island, Fla., commanding the Harbor of Fernandina, captured by the Federal Land and Naval forces under Commodore Dupont and General Wright, March 4th, 1862. Commodore Dupont, in speaking of the fortifications, said: 'I visited the town, Fort Clinch, and the earthworks on the sea face of the island. It is impossible to look at these preparations for a vigorous defense without being surprised that they should have been voluntarily deserted. The batteries on the north and northeast shores are as complete as art can make them. Six are well concealed, and protected by ranges of sandhills in front of them, and contain perfect shelter for the men, and are so small and thoroughly covered by the natural growth and the various contours of the land, that to strike them from the water would be the mere result of chance. A battery of six guns, though larger and affording, therefore, a better mark, is equally well sheltered and masked. These batteries, and the heavy guns mounted on Fort Clinch, commanded all the turnings of the main ship channel, and raked an approaching enemy.'"— Frank Leslie, 1896